BOYLE – A man who allegedly tried to hijack a car at a Grassland gas station in 2021 will be arraigned in Court of Queen’s Bench next month following a preliminary hearing in Boyle Provincial Court last week.
Casey M. Potts appeared in court via CCTV from Edmonton Remand Centre Feb. 8 with Judge Robert Shaigec presiding in-person from the Boyle courtroom. Crown prosecutor Tyler MacLean laid out several exhibits and presented four witnesses — two civilians and two RCMP officers.
The evidence presented is subject to a publication ban but will be reportable following the conclusion of the Queen’s Bench proceedings. A preliminary hearing takes place to determine if the Crown has enough evidence to proceed to trial.
Potts, now 35, was facing 19 counts on a single information, related to the March 27 incident at the Grassland Petro Canada station. The Crown will proceed with eight of them including use of a restricted firearm during a robbery; using a firearm in the commission of an offence; two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon; pointing a firearm; and three counts of possession of a weapon while prohibited.
Judge Shaigec determined there was enough evidence to proceed to an arraignment hearing in Court of Queen’s Bench in Edmonton March 25 where Potts will enter pleas to the various charges and the case will proceed from there. Defence lawyer Gary Smith elected for a judge and jury trial if necessary.
An RCMP media release from March 29, 2021, states: "Investigation revealed a male suspect pointed a firearm at the victim and subsequently attempted to steal his vehicle. The suspect was unable to start the vehicle and fled on foot, leaving behind a duffle bag containing two additional firearms and ammunition.”
In 2016, Potts served three years on a charge of second-degree murder in relation to the death of a 37-year-old Onoway man.
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